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North Shore Medal Recipients

Published on: February 2021

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-115688

North Shore Medal Recipients

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (15:58:14):

North Shore is fortunate to have some of the best schools in New South Wales, and they are some of the best not necessarily because everyone is the best academic achiever but because of the passion and sense of community displayed by students, parents and teaching staff alike. Whenever I visit one of my local schools, the students are all so enthusiastic about learning and the teachers proudly describe their commitment and attitudes. I thank all of our teachers, staff, students, and parents who have navigated, together as a community, such a difficult year with the COVID-19 pandemic. I know that online learning and students being at home during the lockdown was not ideal, but our community managed it superbly.

The North Shore medals are awarded each year to one student at each of our schools who demonstrates excellence in attitude and exhibits in behaviour a commitment to the ethos of the school. This student is also a strong and consistent participant in school and community activities and shows an awareness of others and their needs, which I think was particularly important last year. I provide this award to encourage students to study with diligence while supporting the community. I know that many schools find it difficult to single out just one student for this award, but usually this student goes above and beyond in not just their schoolwork but also in community spirit and participation. I was pleased to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of some of our local students. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the students who received my North Shore Medal in 2020.

Antony Nobilo from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School was chosen because he was an exemplary student. I was told that when you think of how you would like a year 6 graduate of Sacred Heart to be, Antony Nobilo was the school's obvious choice. He has a generous nature and is consistently fair in his dealings with all students, teachers and parents. I was very grateful to be welcomed by Sacred Heart to present the medal to him at the end of last year. Dara Minogue from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School has an exemplary attitude to learning and, as a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra, actively contributes to the life of their parish through her music and shares this talent with the wider community when playing at nursing homes. Dara was also a finalist in my North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition in this place, where she spoke very eloquently and at length on the topic "If I were in charge, the rule I would make would be …" and about the value and importance of music education and ensuring that we can democratise music for all students, regardless of their access to instruments and teaching.

I joined Middle Harbour Public School for a morning assembly to congratulate Harry Lawler. He was chosen for his commitment to the school, always taking pride in his work, and representing the school's ethos and values. Over at Mosman Public School, Marcus Richardson was selected because his teachers told me that, no matter what the world throws at him, he has a laser-like focus on always doing the right thing. I was fortunate enough to join the graduating year 6 students at their farewell evening, where the P&C had done a fantastic job in decorating the school hall.

I met with Sophia Jongs from North Sydney Demonstration School, who received the medal for always giving 110 percent in her schoolwork and for always being the first to offer a helping hand to any student or teacher in need. I joined Mosman Prep at its awards day to congratulate all the students who received awards of excellence in academics and their many extracurricular activities such as sport and music. A special congratulations went to Oliver Bucktin, my North Shore Medal recipient, for being a committed student and upholding all that the school represents. He is very community minded both in and out of school and has a kind and caring nature. I joined Neutral Bay Public School's year 6 students to present Finn Pereira with his North Shore Medal. Finn was a member of the student representative council, consistently modelled respectful and responsible behaviour and demonstrated compassion to students in younger years. His teachers described him to me as hardworking, diligent, highly self-motivated and always seeking to achieve all of his personal learning goals. Above all else, Finn was kind to his peers and polite and helpful to every staff member.

Pratham Gupta from Cammeraygal High School is someone I have mentioned in this place a number of times before. It comes as no surprise that he was chosen as his school's North Shore Medal recipient. This is the first year 12 class for Cammeraygal High School, so it is quite an honour. Pratham was described by his teachers as a highly valued student and was regarded as an exceptional leader, evidenced by his consistent involvement in many school and community activities. Nadine Kassis from Beauty Point Public School was awarded for her commitment to the school and always demonstrating a commitment to her peers and the wider community. Molly Gallagher from Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College demonstrated excellence in all areas of her work and was a committed student within the school community. Finally, there is Anneliese Schlederer from Wenona School, who, like the other recipients, exemplified excellence in attitude and behaviour, compassion for others and a strong sense of community. I once again offer warm congratulations to all of our North Shore Medal winners. I am proud to have such caring and committed young people in my community.